CHILDREN’S ATTRACTIONS
1. Byculla Zoo
Lalbaug Flyover, Byculla East, Mazgaon • Open 9am–6pm daily • Adm
Officially known as Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Udyan (or locally, Mumbai Zoo), this is one of India’s oldest zoos. It is home to a large variety of flora and fauna – around 180 mammals, 40 reptiles and 500 birds, and nearly 3,000 species of trees. The zoo is popular among children as it keeps their curiosity piqued.
A hippopotamus calf at Byculla Zoo
2. Taraporewala Aquarium
Located at Marine Drive, Taraporewala is India’s oldest aquarium. It was renovated in 2015 and boasts a touch pool, a fish spa, an oceanarium, as well as a 50-seat amphitheatre where short films and documentaries on marine life, pisciculture and fisheries are screened. The aquarium features more than 400 species of fish and also includes several of octopuses, sea turtles and even alligators.
3. Mahalakshmi Racecourse
Keshav Rao Khadye Marg, Mahalakshmi • www.rwitc.com
The horse racing season is from November to April, but the premises are accessible all year round. The grounds are maintained as a picnic spot, for yoga or for kids to play.
4. Nehru Planetarium
Established in 1977, this planetarium is immensely popular among space enthusiasts. The dome-shaped building is also home to an art gallery, a restaurant, a library and a cultural centre. The centre organizes several workshops and activities for children, including astronomy quizzes and astro-themed art competitions, and arranges for educational viewings of fascinating phenomena such as solar and lunar eclipses and meteoroid showers.
5. Mahim Nature Park
It is hard to believe that this beautiful forest area (see Mahim Nature Park) was once a dumping site. Today, it is home to a variety of local and migratory birds, butterflies and about 14,000 trees, 300 varieties of plants as well as a few speciality herbs. There are a few reptiles in the area as well. Arrive early to experience the sounds of nature, bird-watch, or just to enjoy a picnic here.
6. Adlabs Imagica
Off Mumbai-Pune Expressway, Sangdewadi • Open 10:30am–8pm daily • www.adlabsimagica.com
An amusement park that promises a fun-filled day, Imagica has a theme park, water park and snow park – all offering exciting attractions for every age group. The thrilling rides here include three roller coasters, snow slides, as well as a family raft ride.
Rides at the Adlabs Imagica amusement park
7. Kamala Nehru Park and Hanging Gardens
With plenty of open space, these two neighbouring gardens are very popular, especially with young children who come here to play every day. Key highlights include a prominent flower clock, a rainbow-themed amphitheatre, fountains, animal-shaped topiaries, as well as the Old Woman’s Shoe and a plethora of nursery rhymes illustrated around the park. It is a great picnic spot for families and offers a truly spectacular view of Marine Drive and the Chowpatty Beach.
The famous Old Woman’s Shoe
8. Ovalekar Wadi Butterfly Garden
Ovala Village, Thane • Open 8am–12:30pm Sun
This breathtaking open-air butterfly garden is home to over 132 species of the beautiful insect, both rare and common. Guided tours of the park can be requested at the entrance.
9. Essel World and Water Kingdom
Essel World, one of India’s first amusement parks, and the nearby Water Kingdom, counted among Asia’s largest water parks, are two of the most famous themed attractions in India. Exciting rides, ice skating, dance floor, bowling alleys, water slides and several food outlets make it ideal for some wholesome family entertainment.
10. Kanheri Caves
Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Borivali East • Open 7:30am–6:30pm Tue–Sun • sgnp.maharashtra.gov.in
These ancient Buddhist caves are nestled within the Sanjay Gandhi National Park. Visitors can rent bicycles from the SGNP gate and ride up a well-laid, 7-km- (4.5-mile-) long path to the caves. It is best to carry water. For younger kids, a trek up to the caves is just as fun.
